VMAs rock MTV even without the P

The Music Television craze has passed me by. Finally, at 21, I think I've left the demographic that MTV appeals to. Though, I must admit, I still watch "The Real World," just to get a glimpse of what my life in the "real world" will not be like when I graduate. \nSadly, I was unable to tune in Sunday for the MTV Video Music Awards. But in true MTV form, I am sure they will replay the glorious occasion for the next month. And in a year, when the next VMAs roll around, I will be able to catch this year's too. \nFor the second year the VMAs were in Miami. So now not only can rock stars, rappers and celebrities show up in souped-up cars but in 70-feet yachts too. Hurricane Katrina threatened to crash the party, but thankfully for "music lovers" the show still went on.\nWhen the station began in August of 1981, it was founded on the premise of playing music videos, specifically pop rock videos. But as MTV has evolved, the music videos have become fewer and fewer. Which is why the VMAs on MTV have always been a source of confusion for me. \nIt's unfitting of a station that doesn't play music videos to assume the title of the source of music on television. After all, MTV stands for music television, perhaps they could change their name to MPT, musician promotion television. \n Maybe when the channel first began it was the authority of music videos because they were the only ones playing videos. But now? MTV rarely plays music videos. Those slots have been filled in with shows like "My Super Sweet 16," "Laguna Beach" and "The 70's House." \nI see more music videos on VH1, BET and CMT. Even those stations manage to still have reality-based shows like "Hogan Knows Best" and re-runs of "The Dukes of Hazzard."\nMTV should provide a platform for artists to promote their music, but it should also give the audience it caters to at least a taste of the music or the videos.\nNot to mention when music videos are played, the rotation consists of the same popular 20 songs. Even on Total Request Live only 30-second clips of videos are shown. If you do want to catch video tune into MTV 2, where viewers will see a less pop orientated music selection. \nIt doesn't make sense to have a video music award show on a channel that never plays music videos. \nAnother source of frustration that comes with the VMAs is the host. This year Puff Daddy, P. Diddy or maybe now it's just Diddy (I lost track three name changes ago. I think he is trying to give Prince a run for his money) will be the host. This self-proclaimed music mogul loves himself way more than his number one fan. \nMTV seems to be a stage for him to play out his love affair with himself. First, it was "Making the Band," then it was "Diddy Runs the City" and as if one "Making the Band" wasn't enough, he had to come back for round two. \nDiddy claims to have changed his name for the third time to become closer to his fans. For some reason, I don't think the P was really getting in the way of him connecting with his fans. \nIn a recent statement from MTV President Christina Norman, she said, "This year's VMAs will have more music and more performances than ever before."\nBut everyone knows the show really isn't about the music or the awards, its about who did the most shocking and outrageous stunt this year. \nIn 1991 Prince wore bottomless pants and exposed the audience and world to too much Prince. Then in 1999 Lil' Kim showed her breast to viewers. Thankfully her nipple was covered by a patch. And who could forget in 2003 when Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera pranced around stage to "Like a Virgin" and topped off the evening with a lip-lock with Madonna.\nI am just sad that I missed this year's shocking moment. But I'm sure I will be able to catch the re-run.